Bungie has unveiled fresh details regarding the seasonal structure of Marathon as it approaches its launch on March 5th. These seasons, which are complimentary for all players and last approximately three months, are designed to make the gameplay experience feel “significantly different.” The base edition of the game is priced at $39.99 / €39.99 / £34.99, and it’s reassuring to learn that the seasonal updates will currently not require additional purchases.

The initial season, set to commence with the game’s release, will introduce a new area known as the Cryo Archive. Players will have the opportunity to unlock this zone through as-yet-unnamed in-game objectives. This map is expected to include security puzzles, frozen vaults awaiting discovery, and “an entity even the UESC fears,” adding an intriguing layer of suspense reminiscent of Bungie’s past titles.

By mid-March, a ranked mode will be implemented within this first season, offering exclusive rewards to participants who successfully rise through the ranks. Further information about this feature will be released as its launch date approaches, appealing particularly to competitive gamers and completionists.

In addition to the ranked mode, Season 1 will also introduce fresh events, a new weapon, quality-of-life enhancements, and more at the game’s launch. Unlike the previous Server Slam, players can expect to engage with the sixth shell, Thief, as well as experience the full initial narrative journey through priority contracts alongside the new player faction: Sekiguchi Genetics.

Looking ahead to Season 2, titled Nightfall, the story continues to unfold with new gameplay elements and narrative developments. This season will present a revamped version of the Dire Marsh map, set in darkness with an intensified UESC presence. Players can also anticipate the introduction of new runner shells, weapons, mods, and additional features.

Nightfall will introduce the Cradle system, which promises to provide players with greater control over their Runner shell’s strengths and weaknesses, although specific details remain limited at this time.

“As we enhance each season, Marathon will continually expand and evolve,” the announcement states. “The gameplay and world will seem distinctly different now and even a year from now as we incorporate new features and unravel the mysteries surrounding the colonists of Tau Ceti… as well as the consequences of uncovering buried secrets.”

Are you excited to dive into Marathon’s inaugural season later this week? What aspects are you hoping to explore during the game’s early months?